Manitoba communities recognized for emergency preparedness

Westman RM included in provincial awards

Brandon, MB (CKLQ) - The provincial government has announced the recipients of the 2018 Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness Awards.

This year, awards are being presented to the rural municipalities of Cartier and Hanover, the Municipality of Louise, and the Southern Emergency Response Committee consisting of the RM of Stanley and the cities of Morden and Winkler.

Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said the awards are about recognizing communities with programs meeting or exceeding recognized national and international standards for emergency preparedness.

"While emergency preparedness is the responsibility of individual citizens, the private sector and all levels of government, municipalities form the foundation of effective emergency management. These recipients have shown excellence in developing and maintaining their programs," said Schuler.

A member of the judging committee, the executive director of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Joe Masi said when emergencies strike, the importance of preparedness quickly becomes obvious.

"The level of preparedness these communities have achieved gives their citizens a high level of confidence should a disaster occur," said Masi.

The award recognizes four levels of achievement in community preparedness, modelled on Canadian and international best practices and standards.

The award is presented annually and includes public recognition by the Manitoba government, a framed certificate and road signs stating, 'We are a Prepared Community', to be placed at the municipality's discretion.

"The emergency management teams in these municipalities, directed and supported by their elected leaders, have set a high standard in reducing the risk of disaster impacts on their communities. They have accomplished this through effective hazard and risk assessment, preparation, maintenance, exercising of their emergency plans, and public engagement," said Schuler.